Low Earth Orbit Adventures

Low Earth Orbit Adventures is a near-future space simulation set above Earth as its orbit becomes a frontier for science, commerce and diplomacy. You pilot a spacecraft between orbits to help the growing population there, taking on missions such as search and rescue, repairs, inspections, deliveries and demolitions.

Missions and your company

You begin as the sole employee of your own space company, with one spacecraft: a standard Friendly Low Earth Orbit Tug (FLEOT). Designed for short trips and complex manoeuvres, it can carry a variety of attachments. You accept a mission, use Newtonian controls to manoeuvre into position, connect the appropriate tool to your International docking adapter and complete the task. Scenarios include rescuing people, boosting orbits, delivering cargo, inspecting craft, handling diplomatic incidents and demolishing objects. As your company grows, you can build your own space station for retirement.

Your spacecraft

The FLEOT is rated to operate from 400 km to 800 km above Earth, though it can function as low as 280 km and as high as 1,800 km. You do not need to worry about running out of fuel, and the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters maintain your spacecraft’s orientation unless you turn them off.

Orbital technology

The game uses Newtonian physics in its local setting, and stations follow basic orbital mechanics. Distances are compressed, and propulsion is almost unlimited, balancing these systems with a pick-up-and-play approach. Designs for stations, space planes and docking adapters draw on real-world projects and proposals, including the International Space Station, SpaceX’s Starship, Buran, James Webb, Orbital Reef, the X-33, Concorde and proposals for “Shuttle 2.” The focus is on plausible orbital technology and reusability.